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The latest movie theater news and updates
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December 19, 2007
Fillmore East Theatre question
Last night, I went to our local ‘flea pit’ and saw an excellent film, “August Rush”, -the story of an incredibly talented young musician.
There were several fascinating scenes filmed inside a very derelict Fillmore East Theater where Robin Williams is a kind of Fagin; street kids live there when not performing musical treats on the streets of NYC.
I do not see a CT New York listing for Filmore East Theatre and wonder if this historic looking palace was for real or just another clever studio set?
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December 18, 2007
State Theater showing more silent films
SPRINGFIELD, OH —
From today’s Springfield News-Sun:
One of only two surviving downtown movie theaters, the State officially is vacant again.
The other theater, the Regent, is just now beginning the slow march toward renovation with a new roof after 15 years of sitting empty.
But the State — while it needs work, too — at least has had activity going on inside.
“The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” with a new live score will be shown in late March, 2008. I’ve been given the go-ahead to try to start a new classic film series at the State Theater.
-Larry Coressel
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ISO: Attendees of Chestnut Hill Cinema/Natick Drive-In
My father was a projectionist at the Chestnut Hill Cinema in Newton, MA from 1975-1981, and also, the Natick Drive-In before that. I am trying to find anyone who may have known him or worked with him. He was known by the name “Art”. Please contact me if you knew him, or post here.
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Theatre seats for sale, Antique end capped cushioned seats.
In Chicago, I have 442 theatre seats with cushioned bottoms (see photos) and many extra parts with vintage beautifully designed metal antique end caps. The seats are selling for upwards of $70 each at the local salvage and antique shops. We are renovating and need to move these quick for only $8.00 each or best offer. We also have 14 antique wooden pews available at 13' 6 “ long for $50.00 each for all of them or $80 individually, plus 10 other older, more primitive style wooden pews. Call Greg @ 312 927-4499 or .
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December 17, 2007
Wehrenberg Theatres shopping for a buyer
One of the oldest motion picture exhibitors in the country and the major theater owner and operator in the greater St. Louis, Missouri area, Wehrenberg Theatres, is looking to be bought out.
Although the company is financially sound and is expanding, uncertainties surrounding motion picture exhibition is prompting the company to look for a suitor.
Read the complete article here.
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WANTED: Wagner and Snap-Lok letters
I am restoring a backlit marquee that was covered up for the last 40 years. Originally they used the Wagner style letters (or Snap-lok)and I want to put them back in use. All we have is the open signbox with bulbs showing….no plexi, no letter tracks, no letters. Any leads as to where a few good used sets of letters could be found as well as aluminum tracks (assuming that’s what would have been used originally…) Please .
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Historic Theatre for sale in Lawrenceburg, Indiana
For Sale:
Historic theatre just minutes away from Argosy Riverboat Casino located in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Lawerenceburg is located in the tri-state region of Ohio (Cincinnati), Kentucky, and of course Indiana. This theatre was built in 1890 and still has the orgianl stage, dressing rooms, and projector room. There is some work that needs to be done, however this are grants available from the city. This could be the gem of the city. Includes two storefronts!
For more information & photos, please visit: www.227walnut.com
Michelle Hamilton
NAVIGA Real Estate Services
307 Broadway Street, Suite G Aurora, Indiana 47001
office phone: 812-926-9110 direct: 513-348-8518 -
December 14, 2007
Theater preservation advice
From: Joseph Trapasso
I am a young and impoverished real estate agent, with a background in the performing arts. I have done due diligence and discovery on a theater in my town slated to be knocked down for condos, now back on the market. I could sell it in a heartbeat to any moron looking to open a night club, but the best use for this lot is restoration for the sake of the community and the preservation of an important film and music heritage.
Millions needed.
My dream is that it becomes a Performing Arts Center with a focus on community involvement. Over 23,000 sq ft. Space for Retail and Concessions. Absolutely Dreamy…The architect is H. Krapp
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Historic Astor Theatre “saved by bell”
ST. KILDA, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA — The venerable Astor Theatre opened on Friday, April 13, 1936. It is one of Australia’s last remaining single screen movie palaces still in operation. The theatre has seen very few alterations and has survived mostly intact. The interior has been repainted and a new wall to wall screen was added in 1998.
In was saved from demolation in 1967 when the owners converted it to a Greek-language theater. It was also used for occasional concerts. After a brief closure from February to September of 1982 it returned to film presentation and currently runs classic double features along with occasional blockbusters.
The theatre was recently put up on the auction block and received one bid for $2.5 million dollars, a bid which was passed on by the owners. One of Victoria'a top private grammer schools, St. Michael’s, saw an opportunity to expand its current 150 seat studio and offered $3.8 million for the theatre 20 minutes after the previous offer was declined. That offer was accepted by the owners. The theatre, conveniently located across the street from the school, will be used for school concerts and speech nights.
The great news for cineastes is that when not in use by the school it will maintain its program of classic and independant films. Additionally St. Michael’s head Simon Gipson said the school would clean and repaint inside and out, while protecting heritage-listed features. Mr Gipson said: “We are honoured to have become the custodians of a building that holds such architectural and emotional significance for St Kilda.”
An article on the purchase can be found at Theage.com website.
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Fox Riverside Theatre restoration begins with a cloud of dust
RIVERSIDE, CA — The Fox Riverside Theatre began it’s $30 million dollar restoration last Wednesday with the demolition of the rear wall to extend the intact stage another 27 feet for future theater productions. Ongoing work includes earthquake-proofing, rebuilding the orchestra pit and lobby, adding restrooms, a bar, cafe area, and backstage dressing rooms.
Robert Wise, the city’s project manager, said the theare will be rehabilitated to its original design but will be enlarged in some areas and have other modifications. Architect Richard McCann, who has restored about 30 historic theatres, including The Wilshire in Los Angeles and the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle was hired to restore the theatre. This will be the first time in decades that much of the original interior artwork of the theatre has been exposed.